Meeting men on the Internet and calling them to Islam Fatwa No: 81757
- Fatwa Date:17-1-2000
I am a Muslim girl; by chance I met an European man on the Internet and we have been talking for a long time. My concern was to make Dua'a for him to come to Islam. This man has told me he doesn't have problems with Islam in particular, but hasn't thought of it. He also expressed special feelings for me. I explained to him many times that a Muslim woman shouldn't have such things with any man except her husband. He insisted on this and I was confused about what to do. Should I leave him although he was willing to enter Islam if I tell him that I have feelings for him? Astagfirullah, I know this is a big sin, but I thought of it for long and made Istikhara and, at last, I asked him if he wants me to tell him that I have feelings for him he should become Muslim first. And after a time, he told me that he is ready to be Muslim and he read the basics about Islam. Although I know he didn't understand very well the basics of Islam but I thought it could be a good step towards better understanding after a while. So the day came when he said Shahada to me and he asked me to promise I will teach him about Islam and I did. Was I right or wrong when I told that man I have feelings for him and the price was that he became Muslim, Insha Allah? Should I do that? Jazakum Allahu khairan
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
Calling people to Allah is an obligation on every Muslim male and female according to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad .
Allah Says (what means): {Say, “This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allah; and I am not of those who associate others with Him.”} [Quran 12:108]
If Allah guides a person to the right path thanks to a Muslim man or a Muslim woman, then the one who guided him will a great reward.
The Prophet said to Ali : “If Allah guides one single man (to Islam) thanks to you, it would be better for you than possessing the red camels (i.e. the most precious breed of camels).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
However, you should be careful while addressing those men as they might lead you to do what angers Allah. Also, you should have a good Islamic knowledge so that you may address whomever you are addressing in a right and acceptable manner and protect yourself from any misconception or situation like the one which you mentioned in the question.
Finally, you should know that there is an important rule in our religion in this chapter and other chapter that: the objective does not justify the means. Calling to Allah is an objective but there is a special means for doing so in the Sharee’ah, and the way which you used is not among these means. Therefore, you should repent to Allah.
Allah knows best.